What does "visions of peace" mean in Ezekiel 13:16? Backdrop of Ezekiel 13 • Ezekiel prophesies in Babylon during the years leading up to Jerusalem’s fall (593–586 BC). • Chapter 13 targets self-appointed prophets who claimed divine sanction while speaking from their own imaginations. • Ezekiel 13:10–16 exposes their messages as “whitewash” hiding structural cracks that would soon collapse under God’s judgment. Who the False Seers Were • “Prophets of Israel” (v. 16) – men accepted by the people as spiritual leaders. • They “follow their own spirit” (v. 3) and “listen to lies” (v. 19). • Their authority was popular opinion, not revelation from the LORD. "Visions of Peace" Explained • Ezekiel 13:16: “the prophets of Israel who prophesy to Jerusalem and see visions of peace for her when there is no peace, declares the Lord GOD.” • “Visions” – alleged supernatural revelations they claimed to receive. • “Peace” (Hebrew shalom) – safety, prosperity, well-being, national security. • Meaning: These prophets pronounced comforting oracles that God had not given, promising Jerusalem immunity from Babylonian attack and swift return of exiles. • They were not misreading ambiguous signs; they were inventing messages to maintain popularity and avoid confrontation. Scriptural Parallels • Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11 – “They dress the wound… saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace.” • Micah 3:5 – prophets “proclaim peace when they have something to eat.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 – “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come.” • Deuteronomy 18:20 – false prophets who speak presumptuously are condemned. Why the Message Was Dangerous • It numbed consciences: sin went unrepented because judgment sounded unlikely. • It opposed the true prophetic word: Ezekiel and Jeremiah called for surrender to Babylon as God’s discipline. • It gave false hope: trust in city walls, alliances, and temple rituals instead of in the LORD. • It provoked greater wrath: rejecting truth heightened accountability (Ezekiel 13:23). Timeless Lessons • A message’s popularity does not prove its divine origin. • Any “vision” contradicting Scripture’s clear warnings is counterfeit. • Genuine peace comes only on God’s terms—repentance and obedience (Isaiah 48:22). |
    |